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$page->title = 'The Highest Priority';
$page->date = '2014-01-09';
$page->cover = 'http://nrhc-pages.northrockhill.com/misc/by-Jay.jpg';
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$page->blurb = 'There is no greater pursuit you and I could take on and no greater goal we could set for ourselves&hellip;';

?>

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<p>Dear NRHC Family,</p>

<p>Happy New Year! I hope 2014 is off to a great start for you and yours. I’m excited to see how 

2014 unfolds and what God has in store for us as a church. I believe it’s going to be a great 

year!

<p>I want to encourage you to make passionately pursuing God through His Word your highest 

priority in 2014. There is no greater pursuit you and I could take on and no greater goal we 

could set for ourselves. I’m convinced that anything and everything God wants to do in and 

through you this year will start in your time spent reading and applying His Word.

<p>Now, I know that is a tall order, especially if Bible reading has not been a part of your regular 

routine. So, I want to share a few hints to help you make pursuing God through His Word 

your highest priority this year.

<ol>

    <li><strong>Get a good Bible.</strong> I like to start the year with a fresh Bible to use for my Bible reading for the year. You
    certainly don’t have to do this, but I do encourage you to make sure you have a copy of God’s Word that you can use.
    This year, I am using the ESV Gospel Transformation Bible. The English Standard Version (ESV) is the translation we
    preach and teach from at NRHC.</li>

    <li><strong>Pick a plan.</strong> There are lots and lots of plans to help you read the Bible. To find a plan that works for you,
    check out Bible Study Tools or YouVersion. I like to follow a plan that includes readings from the Old and New
    Testaments and will take me through the entire Bible in year.</li>

    <li><strong>Designate a time and place.</strong> Consistency and routine are key to success. As much as possible, pick the same time
    and even the same place for your daily Bible reading. For me, early in the morning in my home study with a fresh cup
    of coffee is best.</li>

    <li><strong>Have a plan to engage and respond to what you are reading.</strong> Have a system to highlight, mark, journal, etc. so
    you are engaging in the Word, learning, and journaling how God is calling you to respond. Maybe you’re looking for
    one key verse or thought to mark, memorize, or apply. Maybe you’re looking for specific subjects. Whatever the case,
    have a plan and the tools to interact with and respond to God’s Word.</li>

    <li><strong>Pray.</strong> Pray when you begin. Pray through the scripture as you read. Pray as you conclude and
    look to apply God’s Word. Pray His Word throughout the day. Your prayers do not have to be with fancy words, just
    talk to your Heavenly Father about what He is saying to you through His Word. Ask Him to help you to apply it and
    live it out. Thank Him for His presence and His Word.</li>

</ol>

<p>My prayer for our church is for the passionate pursuit of God through His Word to be our highest priority. Reading
and applying God’s Word is one of the key ways we grow in our love for God. I pray that you will fall more and more in
love with God this year and that He will use His Word to make us more like Jesus.</p>

<p>Let us know if we can help you get started with a reading plan, picking a Bible, etc. We’re launching a brand new
series this Sunday called We Give. I can’t wait to see you then.</p>

<p>Until All Hear,<br> Jay</p>
